NEW DELHI- IndiGo Airlines (6E) entered into a damp-lease agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK) to operate two Boeing 777 aircraft to expand its operations.
However, a massive public outcry emerged demanding the cancellation of India’s civil aviation connections with Turkey, creating pressure on the operational arrangement between the two airlines.
Photo: Kaan Can OzdemirIndiGo Turkish Airlines 777s
IndiGo (6E) deployed these aircraft on Delhi (DEL)-Istanbul (IST) and Mumbai (BOM)-Istanbul (IST) routes as part of its strategy to expand international operations without significant capital investment.
The damp-lease arrangement required Turkish Airlines (TK) to provide the aircraft along with cockpit crew, maintenance services, and insurance coverage, while IndiGo (6E) supplied its cabin crew for passenger service.
This operational model allowed IndiGo (6E) to enter long-haul international markets without acquiring expensive wide-body aircraft or developing extensive maintenance capabilities.
Photo: Turkish TechnicPublic Outcry
Due to political instabilities with Turkey, public protests erupted, pressuring IndiGo (6E) to suspend its agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK).
According to The Hindu Business Line, the public sentiment coincided with the renewal period for the Boeing 777 lease agreement, forcing IndiGo (6E) to evaluate potential disruptions to its Turkish operations.
Industry sources revealed that the possibility of returning the damp-leased aircraft to Turkish Airlines (TK) has increased significantly due to the mounting public pressure.
The timing of these developments has created uncertainty for IndiGo’s international expansion plans and operational continuity on existing routes.
Indigo Airlines wet leases a Boeing 777 from Turkish Airlines to fly from Delhi to Istanbul | Image courtesy of Planespotters.netContingency Planning
IndiGo (6E) his developing contingency plans to mitigate potential operational impacts if the company returns the Boeing 777 aircraft to Turkish Airlines (TK).
Industry sources confirmed that airline management has prepared alternative strategies to maintain service on India-Turkey routes despite potential aircraft changes.
The contingency plan focuses on replacing the damp-leased Boeing 777 aircraft with either Airbus A321neo or Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for continued operations on Turkish routes.
Airlines typically develop such backup plans when facing regulatory or political uncertainties that could affect leasing arrangements.
Aircraft Selection
Sources indicated that the A321neo emerges as the most likely replacement option due to payload considerations for extended international routes. The aircraft selection process accounts for fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, and range requirements necessary for sustainable India-Turkey operations.
However, sources emphasised that the situation remains dynamic and subject to change based on evolving circumstances. The airline continues to monitor developments while maintaining operational readiness for multiple scenarios involving different aircraft configurations.
Photo: AeroConceptsIndiGo Defends Partnership Benefits
IndiGo (6E) publicly defended its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK) by highlighting benefits for travellers and India’s broader economy.
The airline emphasised that the partnership has increased seat availability for Indian passengers while offering reasonable airfares during a period when long-haul international fares have risen.
The airline pointed out that Turkish Airlines (TK) previously operated as the sole carrier on India-Turkey routes before the codeshare agreement. IndiGo (6E) argued that the partnership has shifted competitive balance in favour of Indian travellers and contributed positively to the domestic economy.
Photo: By byeangel from Tsingtao, China – TC-JJJ | Turkish Airlines | Boeing 777-3F2(ER) | Wikimedia CommonsAir Services Agreement
The codeshare arrangement operates within the framework of the Air Services Agreement between India and Turkey, which permits 56 flights per week between the two countries. This bilateral agreement provides the regulatory foundation for the commercial partnership and establishes operational parameters for both airlines.
IndiGo (6E) currently offers codeshare seats to travellers accessing more than 40 destinations in Europe and the United States through its Turkish Airlines (TK) partnership. This network expansion has allowed the airline to serve markets that would otherwise require significant independent investment in aircraft and infrastructure.
Foundation for Future Growth
IndiGo (6E) characterised the codeshare partnership as essential groundwork for building presence in long-haul European and American markets. The airline stated that this arrangement establishes the foundation for future self-sufficiency in long-haul operations using its ordered fleet of 40 A321XLR and 30 A350 aircraft.
The partnership strategy allows IndiGo (6E) to develop market knowledge and operational experience in long-haul segments before deploying its own wide-body aircraft.
Photo- AirbusEconomic Impact
IndiGo highlighted that the arrangement enhances connectivity for major Indian hubs, including Delhi and Mumbai, while generating additional revenue that increases tax contributions to the Indian treasury.
The airline presented these economic benefits as supporting broader national economic growth objectives.
The additional revenue streams from international operations contribute to the airline’s financial stability while supporting government revenue through various taxation mechanisms. These economic arguments form part of IndiGo’s defence against criticism of the Turkish partnership during the current political tensions.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Turkish Technic Partners with Air India Express and IndiGo Airlines
The post IndiGo May Lose Leased Turkish Airlines Boeing 777s, Here’s How? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
